The gift of prophecy is a powerful way to hear and share God’s message. Today, we’ll learn what the Bible says about this spiritual gift and how it should be used to encourage and build up others.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Gift Of Prophecy
1 Corinthians 12:10
“To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy.”
This verse acknowledges the spiritual gift of prophecy, which is the ability to receive and communicate messages from God. Prophecy is one of the many diverse gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the church.
It is important to note that the gift of prophecy is distinct from the office of a prophet. Prophecy is available to all believers, while the office of a prophet carries a specific calling and responsibility within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:1
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue the gifts of the Holy Spirit, with a particular emphasis on prophecy. Prophecy is a gift that is worth desiring because it helps build up the church and brings revelation and encouragement to individuals.
However, it is essential to remember that love should be the guiding principle when exercising any spiritual gift, including prophecy. The purpose of prophecy is not self-glorification or seeking personal attention but to edify and support others in love.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
Paul encourages Timothy to embrace and actively use the gift he received through prophecy. This verse highlights the significance of recognizing and honoring the spiritual gifts given to us by God.
When a gift is identified and confirmed by prophecies and the laying on of hands, it is crucial not to neglect or disregard it. Instead, believers should diligently cultivate and use their prophetic gifts for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Romans 12:6
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.”
This verse emphasizes that each believer has different gifts bestowed upon them by God’s grace. If one’s gift is prophecy, it should be exercised in accordance with their faith and in harmony with the word of God.
Prophetic words should align with Scripture, bringing forth understanding, encouragement, consolation, and exhortation to individuals and the church. It is important to prophesy in a manner that reflects the level of faith and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”
This passage warns against quenching the Holy Spirit’s work within the body of believers. It encourages the discerning and testing of prophecies while providing a measure of validity for those that pass the test – where the discernment is favorable and aligned with God’s truth.
While believers should not despise prophecies, they should also exercise wisdom and discernment. Prophecies should be assessed in light of scripture, confirmed by mature leaders, and filtered through personal prayer and discernment.
Acts 2:17
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”
Peter quotes this verse from the prophet Joel on the day of Pentecost, emphasizing the widespread availability of the Holy Spirit and the accompanying gift of prophecy in the last days.
This prophetic statement affirms that both men and women, regardless of age, can receive the gift of prophecy. It reflects the inclusive nature of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and the vital role prophecy plays in spreading the gospel message and building up the church.
Revelation 19:10
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
This verse reveals that the essence of prophecy is rooted in testifying about Jesus Christ. The spirit of prophecy is not simply fortune-telling or predicting future events but declaring the truth of God’s redemption plan through Jesus.
Prophetic messages should always align with the character and teachings of Jesus, exalting Him as the central focus. The testimony of Jesus is the core of prophetic revelation, spurring believers towards faith in Him and the pursuit of His kingdom.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
God speaks these words to Jeremiah, revealing His intimate knowledge and purpose for the prophet’s life. This verse underscores that the calling to be a prophet is not arbitrary but predetermined by God.
Similarly, believers today are called and set apart by God for specific purposes, which may include the gift of prophecy. It is essential to recognize and embrace God’s divine appointments, trusting Him to equip and guide us in fulfilling the calling He has placed upon our lives.
Joel 2:28-29
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
Similar to Acts 2:17, this passage from Joel emphasizes the inclusivity of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring and the subsequent gift of prophecy. It highlights that men and women, old and young, will receive prophetic visions and dreams.
This verse demonstrates that the prophetic gift is not exclusive to a select few but is available to all believers who yield to the Holy Spirit’s working in their lives. It reveals God’s desire to speak through His people of all ages and backgrounds, amplifying His voice and purposes on earth.
Numbers 11:29
“But Moses replied, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!'”
Moses utters these words in response to Joshua’s concern about Eldad and Medad prophesying outside the camp. His desire is for all the Lord’s people to operate in the prophetic, experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
This verse reflects God’s heart for a prophetic body – a community of believers united in purpose and empowered by the Spirit. It inspires believers to embrace and encourage one another’s prophetic gifts, fostering a culture of prophecy and spiritual activation within the church.
Deuteronomy 18:22
“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.”
This passage establishes a standard for measuring the validity of prophetic messages. If a prophet’s words do not come to pass, it indicates that the Lord did not speak through them, and their message should not be given undue alarm or attention.
This verse underscores the importance of discernment and testing in receiving and evaluating prophetic words. It serves as a safeguard against false prophets and encourages believers to be rooted in the word of God as the ultimate authority.
Amos 3:7
“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
This verse highlights the partnership and communication between the Lord and His prophets. It conveys that God chooses to disclose His plans and intentions to His chosen servants, allowing them to speak forth His word to His people.
The role of prophets is to relay divine revelation, preparing and guiding individuals and nations. By listening to the prophets, God’s people gain insight into His purposes, are convicted of their sins, and receive direction to align themselves with His will.
2 Peter 1:19-21
“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
These verses affirm the reliability and importance of the prophetic message. They underline the necessity of paying attention to prophetic words as a guiding light in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
The passage also emphasizes the divine origin of prophetic revelation. The prophecy in Scripture is not a product of human imagination or personal interpretation but originates from the Holy Spirit who carried and inspired the prophets. It stands as an authoritative and trustworthy source of divine revelation.
Jeremiah 23:28-29
“Let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? declares the Lord. Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
The Lord declares through Jeremiah that those who have His word should speak it faithfully and without distortion. This verse portrays the power and impact of God’s word, comparing it to fire that consumes and purifies.
The prophetic word of the Lord has the ability to cut through hardness of heart and shatter strongholds, bringing conviction and transformation. It is a force that cannot be ignored or silenced, providing the necessary correction and guidance needed for spiritual growth and renewal.
1 Samuel 3:19-20
“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord.”
This passage testifies to Samuel’s prophetic ministry and the divine confirmation of his words. The Lord ensured that every prophecy spoken by Samuel came to fruition, establishing him as a recognized and trusted prophet among the people of Israel.
Samuel’s life serves as an example of the faithfulness and reliability of the prophetic word when delivered with true obedience and integrity. It emphasizes the importance of God’s hand being upon a prophet and their words bearing the mark of authenticity.
Acts 11:27-28
“During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.”
These verses depict the ministry of Agabus, who accurately predicts the coming famine through the leading of the Holy Spirit. His prophetic revelation serves to prepare and warn the believers, prompting them to take action and provide relief to those in need.
This example showcases how prophetic messages can have practical applications and play a significant role in shaping the decisions and actions of the church. It highlights the relational aspect of prophecy, where prophets are used by the Holy Spirit to guide and direct the body of Christ.
Matthew 7:15-16
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them.”
Jesus warns His followers to be cautious and discerning, particularly when it comes to false prophets. He compares them to wolves disguised as sheep, indicating that they may appear harmless or even godly but carry deceptive motives.
Believers are instructed to discern false prophets by observing the fruit of their lives. True prophecy will yield good fruit, aligning with the character and teachings of Jesus. False prophecy, however, will bear corrupt and harmful results.
Matthew 10:41
“Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.”
Jesus reveals that those who receive and honor prophets will be blessed with a prophet’s reward. This statement highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the gift of prophecy and those who operate in it.
Receiving a prophet involves not just acknowledging their role but also embracing their message and responding with faith and obedience. When believers honor and receive the prophetic ministry, they position themselves to experience the fullness of God’s blessings and purposes.
Mark 13:22-23
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.”
Jesus cautions His disciples about the rise of false messiahs and prophets who will attempt to deceive even God’s chosen ones through signs and wonders. He urges believers to be vigilant and discerning in order to avoid falling into deception.
These verses serve as a reminder that not all signs and wonders are indicative of the true work of the Holy Spirit. Instead, believers must stay rooted in the truth of God’s word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and exercising discernment to identify false prophetic voices and teachings.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
These verses highlight the function of prophets within the framework of the five-fold ministry. The role of prophets, along with apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, is to equip and edify the body of Christ.
Prophets play a vital part in expanding and strengthening the church, helping believers mature in their faith and fulfilling their individual callings. As they prophesy and bring forth God’s revelation, the body of Christ is equipped to serve and minister effectively, resulting in its overall growth and edification.
Zechariah 13:3
“And if anyone still prophesies, their father and mother, to whom they were born, will say to them, ‘You must die because you have told lies in the Lord’s name.’ Then their own parents will stab the one who prophesies.”
This verse speaks prophetically about a time when false prophets will be exposed and brought to justice. It describes a severe judgment on those who deceive others by speaking lies falsely in the name of the Lord.
While the application of this verse may be specific to its historical context, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views false prophecy. It underscores the importance of operating in truth and integrity when exercising the gift of prophecy.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
This verse portrays the heart of God towards His people, expressing His love, joy, and delight. It reveals a God who actively saves and fights for His beloved ones.
The prophetic ministry flows from the deep intimacy and love relationship between God and His people, as He sings over them. This verse encourages believers to embrace the prophetic word as an expression of God’s heart towards them and a testimony to His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Isaiah 44:26
“He who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘It shall be inhabited,’ of the towns of Judah, ‘They shall be rebuilt,’ and of their ruins, ‘I will restore them.'”
Isaiah declares that God fulfills the words spoken by His servants and brings to pass the prophecies proclaimed by His messengers. This verse illustrates God’s sovereign authority over His promises and His commitment to bring restoration and fulfillment.
It reminds believers that when God speaks through His prophets, His words are not empty but carry with them the power to transform situations and bring about His intended purposes. Trusting in the fulfillment of His prophetic promises inspires hope and confidence in God’s faithfulness.